Will we see a rubber match in the national championship in Atlanta next season? It’s certainly possible, but several talented contenders could make sure neither team makes a third straight title game appearance.

In reverse order, here’s a very early look at the nation’s top 10 teams entering next season:

10. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys averaged nearly 39 points per game this season and will have quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington back as seniors. After finishing in second place in the Big 12 the past two seasons, Oklahoma State could win its first conference championship since 2011.

Wisconsin QB Alex HornibrookGetty Images

9. Wisconsin

The Badgers bring back most of the core of a team that fell just short of a conference title, including quarterback Alex Hornibrook, and an experienced defense strong enough to carry them to the top of the Big Ten West again.

8. Oklahoma

Baker Mayfield loses a lot of help with the departures of receiver Dede Westbrook and running backs Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon, but the Heisman finalist quarterback will have stability with an offensive line that will return all five starters, as well as a defense bringing back as many as seven starters.

7. Clemson

The defending champs take a step back without their MVP, but Dabo Swinney made Clemson a national power well before Watson arrived. Star receiver Mike Williams and running back Wayne Gallman will be gone, too, but a stout defensive line anchored by Christian Wilkins will give the Tigers a shot at another ACC crown.

Chris Petersen and Nick SabanAP

6. Washington

Chris Petersen took a young roster to the College Football Playoff in just his third season, and the fourth-highest scoring team in the nation will be explosive again behind quarterback Jake Browning and running back Myles Gaskin. If the Huskies can rebuild their secondary, the Pac-12 could be theirs again.

5. Penn State

The Big Ten champs barely missed the playoff, and the Nittany Lions revival should continue with a combined 17 starters expected back from both sides of the ball, including Heisman candidate running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Trace McSorley.

4. USC

The eight-game winning streak to end the season under redshirt freshman Sam Darnold is a sign of what may come. Darnold will lose major weapons on the outside, but the quarterback could be the best player in the nation next season.

J.T. BarrettGetty Images

3. Ohio State

Urban Meyer’s team won’t be so green next season. Even with one of the youngest teams in the nation, the Buckeyes reached the playoff for the second time in three years, and they’ll be favored to return with senior quarterback J.T. Barrett, 16 other starters and one of the greatest coaches of all time.

2. Florida State

Star running back Dalvin Cook won’t be back, but the improvement of impressive freshman quarterback Deondre Francois will make up for it behind a solid offensive line. Most important may be the return of safety Derwin James, who missed most of this season with a knee injury.

1. Alabama

The dynasty isn’t dead. The next title was just delayed, and motivation has been provided for a team searching for its fifth national championship in nine years. Jalen Hurts should only get more comfortable, Bo Scarbrough will get more carries and a new batch of five-star, future All-Americans will reload Saban’s always imposing defense.